The Importance of Certification of English Medium Instruction teachers in Higher Education in Spain

Abstract

The growth of English medium instruction (EMI) courses in non-Eng-lish-speaking countries has been mirrored by a growth in research into EMI teacher beliefs. Although this research has reported that EMI teachers find teaching content subjects in Eng-lish (their second language) a challenge, virtually no research has investigated the compet-encies EMI teachers believe they need in order to deliver courses effectively and whether certification of those competencies is possible and/or desirable. Using questionnaires and interviews we investigated how much and what types of certification were currently avail-able in Spain and the beliefs of teachers and managers in Spanish universities with regard to professional development and certification. We found overall strong support for both greater professional development and for certification, whilst some uncertainty remained as to how both of these desirables might be implemented and financed.